How have archaeologists' attempts to interpret sex and gender Essay

How have archaeologists' attempts to interpret sex and gender relations in the past changed over the last thirty years - Essay Example vii). However, this is the core problem with the way in which cultures have been framed through Western belief systems, thus making assumptions about the way that sex and gender are considered within those societies subject to modern standards of understanding. It is important to re-examine the nature of social structures that have been determined through biased assumptions in order to better construct a picture of an ancient societies. Studying Gender through Archaeological Inquiry In studying gender, Gilchrist states (1999, p. x), â€Å"gender is revealed as a metaphor for relations between men and women: gender is an expression of social practice and beliefs about sexual difference†. The nature of defining social structures through gender relations provides for a depth of context that is not often discovered in archaeological pursuit. The nature of interrelationships between men and women is such that it defines family, political structures, social class structures, and all aspects of society that must be framed to understand how a culture lived. Gosden (1999, p. 135) points out that in the continual creation of gender as it exists within society, the nature of people can be seen for their ’composite’ as it is a creation of sets of relationships that define social roles and identities. In studying gender, a central part of that concept can become understood. Joyce (2000, p. 177) states that â€Å"Gender and power are completely intertwined because the social control of individual experience of the body is the most intimate level of discipline practiced by authorities†. In defining the roles that exist within the genders, it is clear that these roles are defined differently depending on location. Settings define the nature of a gender role, whether it be within a public sphere or in a private sphere (Joyce 2000, p. 182). In creating a discussion of gender, the relationships as they are defined by location creates a textually deeper understanding of how a culture interacted. In putting the domestic roles in context with the public roles, a defined space begins to emerge in which male and female participation in cultural life is spatially recognizable. The nature of social order and discipline becomes defined for the way in which it is practiced within relationships of importance, many of which are specified as roles of gender. Studying gender through feminist referencing in archaeology did not being until the 1980s, and more specifically with the first published paper was in 1984 through Conkey and Spector, with the first real collection of essays published in 1991 in reference to a conference that took place in 1988. This collection was published by Conkey and Gero and is titled Engendering archaeology: Women and prehistory. In the process of trying to spark interest in the topic, Conkey and Gero set up a series of projects associated with gender to create paths of inquiry and to frame feminism within the arc haeological discipline (Wylie 1992, p. 15). There are two primary trends in the study of gender through archaeological approach. The first is to use written records as a comparison against archaeological finds. The primary problem with this, of course, is that not all civilizations have

Gender Misrepresentation in Society and Media Research Paper

Gender Misrepresentation in Society and Media - Research Paper Example Since time immemorial, the female gender has been treated as objects, without regard to their dignity (Worell,  2001). As a result, depression, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, anxiety of facial and body appearance are common among media working women. In addition, women in advertising companies have been neglected in that the advertisements only highlight a specific part of a woman body while completely ignoring other body parts, thus increasing shame that women feel about their bodies being less attractive. The negative aftermath not only affects adult female but also the younger ones (Croteau & Hoynes, 2014). This has caused low political efficacy and other negative implications. Discrimination based on person’s gender has dominated the media and advertising industries. Victims of sexism and bias in the media lose morale to perform their duties effectively. Some advertising industries pass over women for promotion due to their belief about women’s ability; they use this phrase as an excuse ‘women are weak vessels. Extreme sexism may result to sexual harassment at workplace. Researchers have raised numerous questions on how media defines gender socialization and particularly how it portrays crimes committed in the society. While it is true that researchers have examined the crime covered by media, it is apparent that the majority of them have not focused on how media portrays the offence (Holtzman et al. 2014). This has led to female been portrayed as victims and not offenders thus bringing the point that females less likely commit criminal acts compared to their male counterparts. In this aspect, a small number of female offenders represent a minute percentage of the offenders convicted because of a serious offence (Holtzman et al, 2014). On the occasions that women are not fully responsible for the crimes committed, media groups justify their images and narratives and thus are not

The impact of London congestion charge,an economic view Literature review

The impact of London congestion charge,an economic view - Literature review Example However, despite this, the actual implementation and running costs of the congestion charge have been suggestibly much higher than the benefit (Evans, 2007). Figures from TfL suggest that the revenue:cost ratio is extremely high (Leape, 2006). For example, upkeep of the monitoring systems requires technical experts which cost a lot to employ. The video cameras used as part of the system are also extremely costly and require maintenance and protection from vandalism (Leape, 206). Secondly, there is a lot of bureaucracy involved in chasing up congestion charge dodgers and others who falsely abuse the exemption system. Finally, there are other effects that can be judged by approaching the congestion charge economically, such as the effect on jobs and economic activity within the 22km2 zone (Leape, 2006). It is interesting to look at the effects that the congestion charge has had on retail within the zone. One paper (Quddus, Camel & Bell, 2007) looked at a John Lewis department store wit hin the zone, on Oxford Street. The data looked at four years between 2001 and 2004, which included three years of pre-congestion data and one year post-congestion data. It was decided to stop collecting sales data after this point as the opening hours changed, which is a good way of avoiding bias in this type of economic study. However, there may still be bias present from only evaluating one year of congestion charge sales data, as three years of pre-congestion charge data was examined giving a broader picture of the economic scope of the store. Despite this, the study produced some interesting results. After controlling for Gross Value Added (GVA) specific to London and...This paper offers a thorough analysis of the all-round impacts of the imposition of congestion charge in London. Not only economic, but also social and environmental impact is considered. The paper attempt to provide how the congestion charge assist in improving environment. It also evaluates the impact on unemp loyment changes facilitated by charging. One of the main aspects of transportation in London that was intended to be improved by the congestion charge was the economics. There is evidence that there has been a positive economic effect seen by introducing the charge, with an estimated 90% of pre-charge congestion costs being eliminated by profits. However, despite this, the actual implementation and running costs of the congestion charge have been suggestibly much higher than the benefit. In terms of the environment, there were significant reductions in traffic flows within the congestion zone area between 2003 and 2006. There are many different approaches to the congestion charge and how it has had an effect on London from an economic standpoint. These have all given various different results within the literature, although these are partly dependent on the methodologies used and the time periods examined. One of the main issues that can come from assessing a project like the congestion charge is that it will be evaluated in the short-term, and there may be additional costs or benefits to be seen within the medium- or long-term which cannot be assessed by current results.

Coursework for Data Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Coursework for Data Analysis - Essay Example Growth: the coefficient for growth is given as 0.48663, this means that there is a positive relationship between growth and vote and as such for every unit increase in the growth, the dependent variable (vote) increases by a factor of 0.48663 and vice versa. Goodnews: the coefficient for goodnews is given as 0.64031, this means that there is a positive relationship between goodnews and vote and as such for every unit increase in the goodnews, the dependent variable (vote) increases by a factor of 0.64031 and vice versa. War: the coefficient for the war is given as -2.66658, this means that there is a negative relationship between war and vote and as such for every unit increase in the war, the dependent variable (vote) decreases by a factor of 2.66658 and vice versa. person: the coefficient for person is given as 3.04593, this means that there is a positive relationship between person and vote and as such for every unit increase in the person, the dependent variable (vote) increases by a factor of 3.04593 and vice versa. b) Perform tests for the statistical significance of the parameters of the independent variables inflation, growth and goodnews using the critical value of the corresponding t-distribution and the test p-value. Interpret the tests results. Inflation: the computed t-distribution is given as -1.37 whose |-1.37| is 1.37 a value less than the critical value of 2.0423, meaning that we fail to reject the null hypothesis. Similarly using the p-value we get that the p-value is 0.183>0.05 (significance level), leading us to accept the null hypothesis and thus concluding that the parameter of inflation is insignificant in the model at 5% significance level. growth: the computed t-distribution is given as 3.03 a value greater than the critical value of 2.0423, meaning that we reject the null hypothesis. Similarly using the p-value we get that the p-value is 0.006

Human Rights, Cultural Integrity and Diversity and Protection of Human Essay

Human Rights, Cultural Integrity and Diversity and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while countering Terrorism - Essay Example Not only the government but the non-governmental organizations are playing a prominent role in this context. According to the Latest Poverty reduction strategy paper about 70% of Zambia’s population live below the poverty line which results in harmful consequences for human rights. There is a lack of awareness in the people of Zambia which poses a negative impact in this regard. Though it is a stable county in many aspects, poverty and unemployment and governmental corruption are the key issues which act as a hindrance to the economic and social development of Zambia. Human rights problems include an unlawful killing; torture, beatings, and abuse of suspects and detainees by security forces; official impunity; life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrests and prolonged pretrial detention; long trial delays; arbitrary interference with privacy; restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association; government corruption; violence and discrimination against women; child abuse; trafficking in persons; discrimination based on sexual orientation and against persons with disabilities; restrictions on labor rights; forced labor; and child labor. Zambia is a member of United Nations and the African union and adheres to the commitments made in these universal human rights documents. The inhabitants of Zambia can turn to the UN Human Rights Committee through procedure 1503 to the special representatives in order to combat any kind of violation of specific human rights. ECOSOC is particularly focusing on the women rights violation. Zam bia is also a member of the following organizations including UNESCO, ILO procedure, African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, International Criminal court. Some major roots of human rights violation in Zambia are discussed below: The physical abuse of men, women and children who are in police custody face the worst forms of brutality and torture .The Zambian police

Duke Ellingon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Duke Ellingon - Essay Example Despite James playing operatic arias and Daisy favoring parlor songs, many people believe that Duke’s musical talents, though not his primary source of ambition, were etched in his DNA, having been decided for him before he was even born. Duke’s first love was baseball. While his parents encouraged his athletic abilities, they also stimulated his musical side, knowing that the talent was there, but just needed to be mined. At the ripe of age seven, Duke began receiving piano lessons from Marietta Clinkscales. Daisy wanted Duke to be a well-rounded young gentleman, so she also made sure that, alongside his piano lessons, he would be taught manners and elegance. As a result of his refined behavior, grace, and the classy way that he dressed, Duke’s friends gave him the affectionate nickname Duke with the belief that a young boy so noble deserved a title. Growing up, Duke dedicated a balanced amount of time to his piano lessons and to baseball. When he entered high s chool, Duke got his first job selling peanuts at baseball games. Around the same time, his personal love for music began to develop into what would become one of the greatest legacies in American music history. At the age of fifteen, while working another job as a soda jerk, Duke penned his first composition, â€Å"Soda Fountain Rag.† Duke had yet to learn to read and write music, so this composition was created entirely by ear. â€Å"I would play the ‘Soda Fountain Rag’ as a one-step, two-step, waltz, tango, and fox trot. Listeners never knew it was the same piece. I was established as having my own repertoire† (Ellington 112). Even at a young age, Duke knew how to manipulate his musical talent, a characteristic that would only become more intense as he learned to harness this talent. Surprisingly, Duke found that he enjoyed writing music more than playing the piano. He would often skip his piano lessons to sneak into a poolroom to listen to other pianists. During those many journeys, though, Duke finally discovered the love of piano that his mother had tried to instill in him. Duke would watch and listen to some of the big names in ragtime piano, including Doc Perry, Harvey Brooks, and Claude Hopkins. The more he listened to these great musicians, the easier Duke found to imitate their music. Duke took hold of this desire and set out to become the musician that he continues to be remem bered as today. Duke’s formal musical training began soon after his newfound discovery. His high school music teacher gave him private lessons in harmony, and pianist and band leader Doc Perry taught Duke how to read sheet music and present a style of professionalism. With the advice from other well-known pianists, such as Fats Waller and Sidney Bechet, Duke began playing ragtime piano is clubs and cafes throughout Washington, D.C., becoming so attached to his music that he even turned down a scholarship to the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn. Just three months prior to graduating from high school, Duke dropped out of school, ready to take his talent to professional levels, wanting to share his music with the world. Duke put together his first music group in 1917, and they were known as The Duke’s Serenaders. The group played in Washington, D.C. and in many cities of Virginia, performing for embassy parties and private society balls. The success of The Duke’s Serena ders was uncommon in those times given the racial division of society. The social acceptance that was abundant wherever Duke and his musicians played speaks, entertaining African-American and white audiences, speaks loudly of how revered Duke was becoming. Despite his racial background, people of all races were anxious to hear the great Duke behind his piano.

Character analysis Essay Example for Free

Character analysis Essay Priestley describes him in the opening stage directions as a rather portentous man, full of his own self-importance. In the play, he is certainly very concerned with his social position he twice mentions that he was Lord Mayor as a way of impressing Gerald (pp.8, 11), and mentions the knighthood to him, even though it is far from definite. He is solely worried about how his familys reputation will suffer at the inquest when he hears of Mrs Birlings part in the girls death (p. 45), and he is more concerned about how to coverup Erics thefts (p.54) than about how to put them right. He tries to use first Geralds family name (p.13) and then his friendship with the Chief Constable (p.16) as ways of bullying the Inspector; he obviously believes that others are as easily impressed by social connections as he is. (We know he is easily impressed because of his evident pride at Geralds family background; he obviously believes he has made a good match for Sheila.) His key characteristic is his complacency. He is well-off (as the opening stage directions suggest), and he believes he always will be: that were in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity (p.6). This success, however, has been at the expense of others he threw the girl out of her job for asking for a modest rise, and intends in the future to work with Crofts Limited for lower costs and higher prices (p.4), exploiting his power as a capitalist to profit at the expense of others. Birling does not believe he has a responsibility to society, only to his family: a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own (p.10). He is not upset, unlike Eric, at hearing the details of the girls death (p.12), which shows him to be a little heartless. He is suspiciously defensive when he thinks the Inspector is accusing him of causing it, and like Mrs Birling is relieved when he thinks the finger is no longer pointing at him. This is hypocritical because, as the Inspector says, the girls [still] dead, though (p.18). He also has double standards: for he sees nothing strange in wanting to protect Sheila from the unpleasantness of the girls life and death, yet feels no guilt at not having protected the girl herself. Crucially, Priestley undermines this self-important, complacent man, who believes his only responsibility is to his family, right at the start of the play. He is shown as short-sighted and wrong:  Prediction  Reality  Were in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity  The Wall Street Crash (1929) and the Great Depression within a generation  There isnt a chance of war  World war within two years, with a second to follow within the same lifetime  In 1940youll be living in a world thatll have forgotten all these Capital versus Labour agitations  The General Strike (1926) and the continued rise of the Trade Union Movement. The Titanic: unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable  SS Titanic sinks on her maiden voyage  This dramatic irony at his expense encourages us to question how many of his other beliefs are correct; Priestley, as a socialist, is not sympathetic to what this capitalist believes.  He also undermines Birlings relationship with his family, the only institution that Birling believes matters. In Act Two, both his children who learn from the Inspector in a way Birling never does behave badly in front of him (pp.32-33), and his heir Eric is later revealed as both an alcoholic and a thief. After the Inspector has gone, Birling simply wants things to return to the way they were. He cannot understand Sheilas and Erics insistence that there is something to be learnt, and he is relieved and triumphant when he feels that scandal has been avoided and everything is all right. Right up until the end, he claims that theres every excuse for what both your mother and I did it turned out unfortunately, thats all (p.57). Birling is not the cold and narrow-minded person that his wife is; he simply believes in what he says. He is a limited man, who is shown to be wrong about many things in the play; it is the Birlings of the world whom Priestley feared in 1945 would not be willing or able to learn the lessons of the past, and so it is to the younger generation that Priestley hopefully looked instead  Mrs Birling  Priestley describes her in the opening stage directions as a rather cold woman (p.1).  She expects Sheila to make the same sacrifices in marriage that she had to (p.3); she has a clear sense of her duty within the family.